Pacific Northwest

November, 2011
Regional Report

Clean Up Garden Beds

Save yourself some spring clean up by removing dead plant debris from annual and vegetable beds after a hard freeze. In areas where tree and shrub roots won't be damaged, recently frozen vegetation, leaves, and compost can be rototilled into the soil.

Plant Cool-Season Annuals

November is a great time to plant cool season annuals like pansies and primroses. Warm soils keep the roots growing and cool air keeps them blooming. Hand water in generous amounts after planting and during extended dry periods until established.

Practice Good Garden Sanitation around Fruit Trees

For healthier fruit trees, remember to remove all mummified fruit and rake up and destroy those on the ground. Also, rake and dispose of apple and cherry leaves. Good sanitation practices reduce reinfestation of insects and diseases the following season.

Move Trees and Shrubs

Because plants are going dormant, this is a great time to transplant or move deciduous trees and shrubs. Dormancy is shown by the change in leaf color and dropping of leaves. Keeping the root ball intact as much as possible will ensure success with the move. To help with this, try to dig and transplant when the soil is mildly damp, not soggy wet. Handling a tree by the root ball and not the trunk will also help the keep the root ball together. After transplanting, apply water slowly to the root ball for the next several days to ensure the newly exposed roots can access water.

Compost Garden Waste

Continue to add to your compost pile with garden waste -- leaves, grass clippings, and other vegetative materials. Remember a happy compost pile has air and moisture, so stir it and water it. Try not to add weeds that have gone to seed, diseased clippings, or any kitchen waste containing meat products.